Volume 11, Issue #36
September 9, 2021
In the name of Christ, we embrace all people to be nourished and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love and serve the world.
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FROM PETER'S PEN
September always fills me with hope: it is my favorite month of the year. We begin to get hints of fall: slightly cooler temperatures and the start of leaves turning (AND pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks...).
That said, as I talk and walk with many of you, I become aware of the stresses and strains in your life. Some are struggling with health issues; some with family issues; some with financial issues; all of us with anxiety over COVID issues. This time can seem pretty overwhelming!
I was in a clericus meeting (regional meeting of priests) yesterday and, as we planned for the next few months, we also agreed that we are...exhausted. As we care for our congregations and, like you, as we care for our loved ones and for ourselves, we often feel drained and inadequate.
Yet: hope. As I look around and see the changing season, I feel a sense of peace. As I talk with you and hear about new relationships, new opportunities for your children, etc., I experience God's Spirit shining forth from within you. As you share the ways that you continue to minister and reach out in these trying times, you serve as Christ's hands, feet, and heart in our community.
You - by simply answering God's call in your lives to take the next step; to care; to be resilient even when you are tired - grow the Kingdom. Who you are and what you do gives hope. Who you are and what you do strengthens me and encourages those around you.
These are hard times, but they are also hope-filled times. Breathe. Rest when you need to. Look for God at work within and around you. Follow the Spirit's call.
With Joy,
Peter+
The Rev. Peter Doddema
502-661-2742
P.S. Bible Study classes will resume on September 12, meeting on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. In person or via ZOOM? Let Peter know your preference!
Book Study classes will resume on September 15, meeting on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. via ZOOM. We will continue discussion of Always A Guest, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Please contact Peter for the ZOOM link.
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RED/BLUE WORKSHOP
in Frankfort
Saturday, September 11
Community Room
319 Wapping Street, Frankfort
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
(lunch not provided)
What is a Red/Blue Workshop?
"Five to eight Republican-leaning citizens (“Reds”) and five to eight Democratic-leaning citizens (“Blues”) gather together for a half-day or full-day of structured conversations. Independents are also welcome to attend. We only ask that for the purposes of the workshop they identify as leaning either Red or Blue, or attend as observers.
There are two types of Red/Blue workshops: 3-hour workshops that cover two exercises, and 6-hour plus lunch workshops that cover all four exercises. We recommend that people attend the 6-hour version if possible.
Two moderators, trained by Braver Angels, lead the workshop, ensuring that ground rules are followed and that everyone is treated respectfully."
Thank you,
Peter+
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Sixteenth Sunday
after Pentecost:
Proper 19
September 12, 9:30 a.m.
HOLY EUCHARIST, Rite I
OPEN for live, in-person service inside the church.
ALSO this week: Morning Prayer with Ascension clergy - online at 9:30 a.m.
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Schedule for Sunday,
September 12
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Lector, Crucifer, & Security Lockup: Ron Gruzesky
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Ushers: Bryan Hendricks & Karen Hoover
If you are not able to serve as scheduled, please contact Leah MacSwords, verger, as soon as possible prior to the service to let her know that a substitute is needed (lcmacs@aol.com or 502-545-0437).
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Your participation is important!
To inquire about serving as a lector, crucifer, chalice bearer, or usher, please contact Deacon Rebecca Saager
The schedule for Lay Ministries for August and September is posted above and also displayed on the window of the parish office.
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Nominations Now Being Received for Diocesan Leadership Roles
Are you called to serve as a leader in our diocese? Our diocesan nominating committee invites you to consider this question. We are seeking faithful leaders to help guide our diocese as we follow God’s call to “Be the Church and Be the Change.” We seek nominees for the following officers:
Standing Committee:
1 Clergy person (3-year term) and
1 Lay person (3-year term)
Each Diocese of The Episcopal Church has a committee of lay and ordained members who serve as the Bishop’s Council of Advice, and in the absence of a diocesan bishop, represent the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese. Pre-COVID, the Standing Committee typically met monthly, often on a weekday. Coming out of COVID, the schedule going forward is still under discussion. (Terms of office begin at the conclusion of the October 30 Diocesan Convention.)
Executive Council:
2 Clergy persons (3-year term) and
4 Lay persons (3-year term)
Each Diocese has a body of lay and clerical members who serve between annual diocesan conventions to oversee the mission and programs of the diocese. Pre-COVID, members typically attended 6 - 8 meetings per year, either on Saturdays or weeknights. Typically, there was an overnight retreat for all EC members within a few months of convention. During the pandemic, shorter, monthly meetings via Zoom were scheduled. Coming out of COVID, the schedule going forward is still under discussion. (Terms of office begin at the conclusion of the October 30 Diocesan Convention.)
Sewanee Trustee:
1 Lay person (3-year term)
Are you an alumnus of Sewanee? Maybe you have enjoyed Sewanee programs like Education for Ministry (EfM) or Disciples of Christ in Community (DOCC). Or maybe you have an interest in higher education. As one of the owning dioceses of St. Luke’s School of Theology at the University of the South, the Diocese of Lexington is privileged to elect members to the Board of Trustees for Sewanee. This year we will elect 1 lay trustee who will attend meetings, encourage the mission of the school, and participate in fundraising. (The term of office is July 2, 2022 – June 30, 2025.)
The Nominating Committee would appreciate receiving all nominations by September 15. According to “The Rules of Order for the Conventions of the Diocese of Lexington,” nominations received after September 30 would have to be presented from the floor of Convention on October 30.
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RESPONDING TO THE PANDEMIC:
CHANGES & CHALLENGES
7/31/21: The COVID transmission map from the CDC and both Franklin and Anderson counties are back in the 'high' transmission rate categories, along with much of the Commonwealth. Our current adjustments include:
1) Checking temperatures when folks arrive.
2) Asking everyone to wear masks indoors.
3) Offering bread only at the Eucharist.
4) We will hold off on resuming the Taize service (previously scheduled to resume on August 7), due to the amount of singing involved.
Please observe the latest recommendations from the CDC for your vaccinated or unvaccinated status. Note - if you are vaccinated:
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If you have been around someone who has COVID-19, you should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you do not have symptoms. You should also wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. You should isolate for 10 days if your test result is positive.
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Previous COVID-related strategies and guidelines still apply:
For the foreseeable future, Sunday worship will include both in-person and online worship. If you are comfortable attending live worship at the church, it is held at 9:30 a.m. If you are not yet comfortable attending worship at the church, we invite you to attend live worship through our Facebook page. One of the clergy will lead Morning Prayer on Facebook each Sunday, also at 9:30 a.m., and we will offer pre-recorded full services online as often as is possible/practical.
As we return to physically attending services inside the church, no advance registration is needed. But please remember that the pandemic is ongoing, and not everyone has been vaccinated. Signing in at the door, temperature checks, and social distancing are still required. Please check in personally with an usher when you arrive before taking a seat in the marked areas.
The nursery is currently on hold; children are welcome in all services. Godly Play classes are expected to return in the fall.
Singing and saying prayers and responses aloud will be handled by announcement at individual services.
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ABOUT OFFICE HOURS
Clergy and staff are spending more time in the office while continuing some work from home and 'round about the parish; personal meetings may be scheduled in advance. Church doors will remain locked if there is only one person in the building. However, full-time coverage is provided for telephone calls and messages via the magic of cell phones, so please call 502-223-0557 whenever you need to reach us! (If we don’t answer immediately, please leave a message so we may return your call as promptly as possible.)
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Ascension is seeking ONE MORE paid, part-time nursery attendant to work with a small group of children, ages 0-4, on Sunday mornings, 9:00-11:30 a.m., and occasionally for special events (usually a couple of evening or weekend hours). This position is paid hourly and is part-time with no additional benefits. Must be over 18 and have/arrange reliable transportation.
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If you have any questions about donations or pledges, please contact Mona Proctor in the parish office: call 502-223-0557 or email info@ascensionfrankfort.org.
THANK YOU
for continuing to support Ascension w
ith your time, treasure, and talents!
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This web site has an abundance of information and resources - check it out!
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Intercessions for the Church: St. Francis’ Church, Flemingsburg - The Rev. Mary Kilbourn-Huey, Priest-in-Partnership.
Recently in need of prayers: Allen; Andrew; Angie; Bill; Bob; Claudia; Correll; Darlene; Deborah; Florence; George A.; George S.; Jan & Dale; Jesse; Kathy; Linda P.; Lynda R.; Marie; Marilyn; Michele and family; Mildred; Noreen; Ronnie; Ruth; Tandy; and the students and staff of Stewart Home School.
Continuing concern: Adrianna; Ann; Barbara; Dan; Debbie; Dillard; Edith; Faye; Ginni; Jinks; John; Mac; Mary; Melissa; Mike & Susie; Nancy; Polly; and Rena. We also pray for those affected by the COVID pandemic, and for those on active duty in the military: Daniel, Houston, Nick, and Tanner.
Thanksgivings: for sunshine and cooler weather; for new members and new HVAC systems!
Birthdays: 9/17 - Beth Wollaeger, Debbie Gilbert.
Recently Departed: Randy Hall Jordan.
NOTICE:
Part of the strength of this congregation is our care and concern for each other. Please help us to do this by letting the church office know when you are ill, hospitalized, or otherwise in need of prayer and/or visitation. We especially want to serve you during these times. Also, if we don’t have your birthday or anniversary on file, or if it appears incorrectly, please let us know! Call the office at 502-223-0557 (messages are checked periodically), or email curate@ascensionfrankfort.org
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Pre-Planning for End of Life
Rite I or Rite II? Eucharist or no? Burial service in the church, or only a graveside committal? Special music, songs, readings, people? Please consider writing your preferences on a “Funeral Information and Burial Instructions” form, for secure long-term storage in the parish office. This confidential information will serve as a guide to the church and your family after your death. A 'Kentucky Living Will Directive and Health Care Surrogate Designation' Form is also available. Return the completed form(s) to Deacon Rebecca, Deacon Sue, or to the parish office.
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Clergy and Staff
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The Rev. Peter Doddema, Priest
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The Rev. Dr. William G. Brown, Assisting Priest Emeritus
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The Rev. Deacon Rebecca A. Saager, Curate
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The Rev. Deacon Susan E. Kurtz, Deacon
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Mr. John B. Martin, Director of Music & Organist
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Ms. Mona Landrum Proctor, Parish & Financial Administrator
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Mr. David Gierlach, Sexton
Copyright © 2021 Church of the Ascension. All Rights Reserved.
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